What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always loved traveling since my family traveled a lot while I was growing up. It really opened my eyes to the beauty of the different people and places in this world. I believe it also gives you more empathy and compassion for others, you realize we are all one. No matter where we live or what we look like, everyone has the same blood and basic needs. There is so much love in everyone, everywhere! Going abroad to volunteer and live in a really high needs community has been something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. It was fulfilling a dream to be able to do it.
Grace Orphanage and Daycare School, the kids, Liz and I
Why did you choose The Real Uganda?
I was placed with my organization and in my program through another website that helps volunteers find placements, but I could not be more happy that I ended up there! I believe it was meant to be. The organization was EXCELLENT and I would recommend it to anyone. Well organized, safe, friendly, great communication, they take care of you but leave you to be independent as well, you are completely immersed in the country and community...it was everything I would ask for in an organization like this!
What was your favorite part about Uganda?
Hands down the people. I will say it over and over again, the people are the best part of Uganda! They are so friendly, warm, welcoming, funny and real. They make you feel like family and never want to leave from the moment you step foot on their soil...and that's EVERYONE.
What made your experience abroad unique?
The fact that I was living right alongside the people. I was not in some fancy resort and just going to visit...I WAS Ugandan for my stay. I lived and worked right alongside the other teachers and kids, in their home. I ate with them. I helped them prepare meals and cook and clean. I taught and learned from them. It was fully immersive and such a well rounded, deep experience because of that.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I was fully supported my entire stay. Though I only saw Leslie (who runs the organization) at the very beginning and end of my stay, and once for a short visit, we messaged often and I knew that she would always be there for any questions or anything I needed. She also periodically checked in on me if she hadn't heard from me to make sure everything was going okay. She helped me get everything I needed before heading to the village, transported me there, gave me the rundown on how to get around, etc. She made sure I was completely set up and ready for the experience, was always willing to lend a hand (or a ride) if needed and she was available, and was always there for any questions or anything in general! I felt no lack of support.
The kids having some fun with my camera after school!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
Stayed longer! I didn't want to leave and wish I could've stayed forever. I will definitely be back! Everything else went pretty well. I am glad I did a safari to get that experience and view of the country and different people we met there as well. I think it's important not just to stay tucked in your village, but to go out and explore and have experiences when you can. I know I would have regretted that if I didn't do it!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On a typical day, I would wake up in the morning, go to the latrines, brush my teeth and take a bucket shower, then get dressed. Breakfast would be waiting for me when I was done, usually bread or chapatti and hot tea. Then, when Liz and the children were ready, we would head to school. I would observe for some things and help teach for some of the day. We would have a morning break where I would help serve corn porridge to the children for their snack. We would have a little bit of free time to hang out and play before resuming class until midday. The kids would get dismissed and we would have lunch which was usually beans and either potato/sweet potato, cassava, or posho. Then the afternoon was all free time. I would help with the laundry, cleaning and prepping food if needed. I would play and hang out with the kids, Liz, and the teachers or neighbors during this time mostly. We would play games, draw, relax, talk, look at/take pictures, talk about America and Uganda, dance, etc. Some days I would go into town during this time with Liz or with one of the kids if we needed groceries or anything for school. Then I would help prepare dinner and we would eat (usually the same foods as lunch, sometimes fruit too!). After dinner, the kids would go to study or go to sleep. I would spend some time talking with Liz before we also went to bed. Weekends were all free time, chores and meals! It was really laid back and wonderful. Everything just kind of happened when it was ready to happen, there was no pressure or rush.
Elephants in Murchison Falls National Park on Safari
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I loved hanging out with the kids and others in the village! It was so fun and rewarding to just spend time drawing, writing, playing games, taking pictures or just talking with them. I believe that was the most rewarding part of all my experiences. I wanted to spend all the time with them I could and they really enjoyed it too!
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My room was in a big cement building. It was just one big cement room with a wooden door and window. There was a bunk bed that could sleep 2 with a mosquito net. There was also a dresser and table where I could keep my things. It shared a wall with the girls room which was next to the kitchen and then the boy's room. The pit latrines were a short walk, across from the boy's room. There was electricity but no running water. I loved eating meals outside on the step with everyone, bucket showers in the open air, being so close to everyone but also having my own private space in my room, the fresh air and beautiful nature around, and being so close to the classrooms (just a short walk down the path, visible from my room!).
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Teaching at Grace
You have to be okay with getting dirty, not having life's luxuries (pit latrines, bucket showers, hand washing clothes and dishes in buckets, etc.), big cockroaches in the toilets, the same basic meals every day, not being on a strict schedule and conversing with people! As long as you're good with that and are willing to ask if you need something, talk and be around everyone, go with the flow and have the time of your life, you'll be good to go!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I've been lucky enough to travel a lot before this, but every time I do and come home it re-instills my sense of happiness, connectedness and no need for "wants". It makes me hyper-aware of all the "things" around me and more strict with watching what I buy and do and how it's impacting the Earth, social systems, and the environment. I love my feeling of connection and similarities with others in so many parts of the world and just want to share that feeling and experience with everyone! Everyone should travel as much as possible. The world would be a better place for it. (And a GREAT place to start is Uganda ;) Specifically with this trip, I definitely re-evaluated my needs in the classroom as a teacher. In the US our classrooms have so much and we are always asking for more. While I do think these things can enhance education and educational experiences when used the right way, I also remembered the value of experiences in education and that we can learn so much through play, socialization and doing things instead of using things. I realized I already have so much in my classroom, while in Uganda they have basically just desks and a chalkboard, yet they learn so much through playing with each other independently, problem solving, creating, inventing, imagining, conversing and learning social skills. I want to bring a lot more of that back to my classroom this year and in the future.
Would you recommend The Real Uganda and your program to others? Why?
I would recommend both to everyone for the reasons I listed above. I am so happy I got placed with this organization. Like I said before, "Well organized, safe, friendly, great communication, they take care of you but leave you to be independent as well, you are completely immersed in the country and community...it was everything I would ask for in an organization like this!"
